The animal zone: Santa's little yelpers: Eight pups pining for new home for Christmas

By Rebecca English

(Left to right) Dasher, Cupid, Prancer, Donner, Dancer, Comet, Blitzen and Vixen are a litter of eight mongrel puppies at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home looking for somewhere to live in the New Year

Christmas is a time for families. Unfortunately these eight adorable little puppies don’t have one of their own.

Dumped on the caring staff at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London by their owner just a few days ago, the litter is now available for rehoming.

Seasonally named after Santa’s reindeer – from left to right Dasher, Cupid, Prancer, Donner, Dancer, Comet, Blitzen and Vixen – the black, white and tan pups are mongrels and, although their breed is unknown, are likely to grow quite big.

Little yelpers: Blitzen and Vixen, two of the litter of eight mongrel puppies at Battersea Dogs home play with a toy

The mischievous pups will, however, spent Christmas at the home alongside 500 other dogs and 175 cats.

To make the experience more festive carols will be played in the kennels - soothing classical tunes are particularly popular with the dogs.

Scents are also misted around the kennels every day to ensure the dogs’ environment is kept interesting, including frankincense and nutmeg.

And on Christmas Day, Battersea’s dogs will enjoy a walk each in a hand knitted jumper donated by supporters.

The charity’s Operations Manager Lindsey Quinlan explained: ‘Ultimately we want them to find a new home, but until then we have to make our kennels and cattery as enjoyable as possible.’